Mukhba

Mukhba, Uttarkashi

Mukhba (Mukhwa) is a small village in the town of Harsil, on the banks of river Bhagirathi, on the way to the pilgrimage of Gangotri. It is situated at an altitude of 2620mts above the sea level.

Importance of Mukhba

This place is popular due to the fact that the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought down to Mukhba from the shrine of Gangotri in the Upper Himalayas and kept here throughout the winters as Gangotri becomes inaccessible due to heavy Snowfall. Every year on the auspicious occasion of Diwali the idol of Ganga is brought down to a temple in Mukhba with a procession of devotees and the Army band of Garhwal Rifles.

The village holds two temples of Ganga, one is new made up of concrete and marbles, but you can also visit the old temple made up entirely of Deodar and brass.

Now devotees can also visit Mukhba as a part of Winter Char Dham as the Uttarakhand government has planned to open all the Char Dhams Shrine for winters also.

How to Reach Mukhba

Mukhwa (Mukhba) is just 1 Km trek from Dharali which can be reached on the way to Gangotri. You can stay at Dharali or Harsil for few days as accommodations are available here. Harsil is situated on Uttarkashi - Gangotri Road at a distance of 72 kms after Uttarkashi.

By Road: Mukhba can be reached via Harsil or Dharali, both are well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Harsil is situated on NH108 which connects Gangotri in Uttarkashi district. Buses to Rishikesh, Tehri and Uttarkashi are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. Buses and Taxis to Harsil and Dharali are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun,Tehri, Barkot, Uttarkashi etc.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Harsil is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 205 kms before Harsil on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India and trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi, Harsil and Dharali.

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Harsil and Dharali situated at a distance of 232 kms. in Deharadun. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Harsil is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Uttarkashi, Harsil and Dharali.

Activities in Mukhba

Apart from the abundant natural beauty that encompasses the Mukhba village, there are not many sightseeing and places of interests in and around Mukhba. During the winters when there is snow in the upper region, the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought down to Mukhba village from Gangotri shrine due to heavy snow.

Pilgrimage: Mukhba is the winter abode of Goddess Ganga when the idol of the deity is brought down to Mukhba as Gangotri shrine lay covered in sheath of snow. Tourism through winter Char Dham is encouraged by the government for pilgrims who wished to seek blessings of the deities during winters.

Trekking – The enchanting Mukhba valley offers some of the most beautiful Himalayan landscape with snow capped valleys, dense pine forests and breathtaking views of the snow clad peaks of Shrikanth, Hindyani, Jaonli (6632m) and Sumeru to name a few.

Staying in Mukhba

Finding an accommodation at Mukhba is not possible however one can find affordable budget guesthouses and hotels at Harsil or Dharali which is just 1km away from Mukhba. Staying at Harsil or Dharali one can then trek to Mukhba and its surrounding area.

Mukhba Food Guide

There are no restaurants at Mukhba apart from a couple of tea stalls. Harsil and Dharali has quite a few roadside restaurants and dhabas which serve north Indian dishes along with popular Chinese dishes like momos, noodles etc. with limited choice. One can also try the local Pahadi cuisine which consists of Sisunak Saag, Gehat Dal, Chainsoo, Kappa, and Pahadi Raita.

Accommodations in Mukhba

You will not be able to find accommodation at Mukhba but many hotels are available at nearby Harsil and Dharali. The hotels are clean and well maintained, and even the rates are budget friendly. For booking hotels check here: Hotels in Harsil.

There is an old temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga in Mukhba made of deodar and brass. If you ask politely, the priest will open the old temple for you.

It is wise to check with local authorities, tour guides or tour operators about the weather and road conditions during monsoons before you actually start your journey or pilgrimage.